Jasmine's life had always been a cage, and Alaric, her stepbrother, held the key. His control began subtly, a seemingly protective concern that slowly twisted into a possessive obsession. As the Alpha, his power was absolute. He dictated her friendships, forbade any romantic relationships, and stripped her of all personal freedom.
Her one hope was her twenty-first birthday—a milestone that promised to change everything. She fantasized about finding her true mate, breaking free from Alaric's suffocating grip, and finally living a life of her own. But destiny, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor.
On the eve of her birthday, her hopes shattered. The person meant to be her one and only was the very man she despised—Alaric, her tormentor, her stepbrother.
The thought of being bound to him was a fate worse than death. How could she be mated to the man who had stolen her youth? A man who would stop at nothing to possess her completely? But in a world where love sours into possession and possession  draws blood, how far can one person truly run before they are forced to face the inevitable?

The moment our mouths met, a low, guttural groan escaped me. Her lips were soft and trembling against Mine, but I didn't rush her. I kept it slow, drawing her into the kiss, coaxing her to let go of the barriers she so desperately tried to hold onto.


For a moment, she froze, her body stiff, her hands gripping the edge of her nightie tightly. But I kept up with the slow caress against her lips, knowing she'd give in. And there, in that moment, I felt it.


Her lips softened beneath mine, her body relaxing just enough for her to lean into me. It was hesitant at first, a shy response to the hunger I was pouring into her. But when her lips parted ever so slightly, and her soft, breathy moan slipped out, I knew she was mine to take.


Chapter 37 - Chapter 37